'Best New Downtown Event' returns to Springfield

[August 27, 2012]  SPRINGFIELD -- The "Best New Downtown Event of 2011" returns to Springfield as Symphony on the Square, featuring the Illinois Symphony Orchestra, art and fresh market produce. The event will be on Saturday in and around the Old State Capitol Plaza.

Events will start with the Old Capitol Farmers’ Market from 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

At noon the Old State Capitol State Historic Site will be filled with living history characters from the mid-1800s, part of the highly successful "History Comes Alive" program, and crafts for kids, courtesy of the Springfield Area Arts Council. They will be joined by furry friends from the Animal Protective League.

Artists from the Prairie Art Alliance, Sangamon Watercolor Society and the Illinois Prairie Pastel Society will be on hand doing live art demonstrations starting at 4 p.m.

Guests can enjoy the final presentation of "Lincoln and Shakespeare" inside the Old State Capitol at 5 p.m.

Then, the free Labor Day concert by the Illinois Symphony Orchestra will begin at 6 p.m. on the Old State Capitol lawn.

Symphony on the Square in Springfield is presented by the Illinois Symphony Orchestra and the Old State Capitol. The concert is sponsored by AAA, Brandt and the State Journal-Register.

The Illinois Symphony Orchestra is one of the cultural leaders in central Illinois, bringing critically acclaimed concerts and education programs to diverse audiences. The upcoming 2012-2013 season welcomes a new music director, Alastair Willis.

The Old State Capitol State Historic Site, administered by the Illinois Historic Preservation Agency, is open for free public tours.

[Text from file received from the Illinois Historic Preservation Agency]